Stars set to converge at The Creek

The 2020 summer carnival at ‘The Creek’ (Albion Park Harness Racing Club) is just over a week away.

Spanning a three week window, the metropolitan club will conduct a host of features spearheaded by the Grand Circuit event, the Gr.1 $175,660 TAB Blacks A Fake (2680m) which is scheduled for December 12.

The carnival officially commences on Saturday week (November 28) before reaching its climax on Blacks A Fake racenight.

And the stars are starting flex their muscles.

The leading Sydney stables of Craig Cross are planning a raid on the Sunshine State with a party of richly talented pacers including current Grand Circuit leader King Of Swing.

A winner of the Hunter Cup and Miracle Mile earlier this year, the outstanding entire is being primed for the Blacks A Fake and will round off his preparation with a start at Menangle this weekend.

The $1.4 million dollar earner will start in the Gr.3 Kevin Robinson Free-For-All and will start from the outside draw (gate 11) in the 2300m event with regular reinsman Luke McCarthy engaged to drive.

Last month, King Of Swing was beaten in the Gr.1 Victoria Cup behind boom pacer Lochinvar Art at Melton before rebounding with a dominant victory at his home track in 1:49.6 two weeks ago.

“We’re really happy with his current condition and everything is aiming towards the Blacks A Fake, this is a great lead-up event given that it’s over a distance similar to the Brisbane feature,” McCarthy said.

“Craig is putting together a really solid team and we’re looking forward to being part of the carnival, we love getting back to Brisbane at every opportunity and this campaign fits in nicely. Everything is still being sorted with the Covid-19 protocols but hopefully everything will work out, we’re keen to get there.” He added.

Classy mare Bettor Enforce is being strongly considered for the two mares features (Queen of the Creek & Forever Gold) following her stylish victory last weekend.

Other likely members of the Queensland team includes Balraj and co-track record holder Cruz.

Stable newcomer Star Galleria will miss the carnival after arriving last week from New Zealand.

Previously prepared by Pukekohe horseman Steve Reid, the Art Major gelding will remain at the Cobbitty base and will be set for other events.

Reigning Queensland Horse of the Year Colt Thirty One rounds off his summer carnival preparation when he contests the Remembering Gerry Neptune Open Pace over the 1660m this Saturday night.

The Grant Dixon prepared star is chasing back to back victories in the Blacks A Fake following his triumph last year.

Next week, the open class feature is the Gr.3 $30,660 Be Good Johnny Sprint.

This Saturday night, the club will host a superb 11 race card featuring a further three heats of the Darrell Alexander Memorial Trotting Series.

First round heat winners included BD Khaosan, Gee Up Neddy and Our Overanova.

The Gr.2 $30,770 Final will take place next week.

For further information, contact the APHRC.

Chris Barsby